Early Team News

20 March 2014

Oxford United get ready for the visit of Hartlepool United in Sky Bet League 2

United will have to make changes as they welcome Hartlepool to the Kassam Stadium on Friday night. Already without Tom Newey and Michael Raynes through suspension United will send Johnny Mullins to a specialist to assess the damage to his foot after he ran into the advertising boards at Chesterfield on Saturday.

Mullins misses Friday and Mickey Lewis is likely to put his faith in United’s promising youngsters once again:

“Johnny has had a scan and we will wait and see what the specialist says but he won’t be available for Friday, or Monday at Southend.” Mickey told Yellow Player this morning. “We are already without Tom Newey and Michael Raynes and up against Hartlepool, who are a young side, it looks as though we will have a young side ourselves.”

Jon Meades is back in full training but is unlikely to return despite being an obvious replacement for Newey in defence. Meades was Wimbledon’s Player of the Year last year at left back but needs a little longer to get over an ankle injury that has ruled him out so far this season:

“Meadesy has done great and is getting closer all the time but he was out for a long time and is still easing himself back in. Whingy is a little bit ahead of him in terms of fitness at the moment and has been on the bench for the last couple of games.” Mickey said.

There has been a determined look to the United squad this week as they prepare for Friday night’s game.

“Nobody enjoys losing the way we did last weekend” Mickey said. “Everyone, coaches and players alike, need to put that little extra bit of effort in now. We can’t waste to opportunity we have this season and we have talked all week about being first to the ball, being strong and being brave when we get it. That has to happen on Friday against Hartlepool.

See the full interview plus a great ten minute Preview Show featuring James Constable, Max Crocombe, match highlights and a slightly bizarre ending, only in Yellow Player.